Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico’s proposed outdoor Wi-Fi park and workspace near the Riverwalk may soon have funding secured and could be ready for use by spring 2018.
Naperville Jaycees, the group that organizes Naperville’s annual Last Fling festival over the Labor Day weekend, could use some of the money raised by that event to fund the park, said James Groat, president of the organization.
In exchange for paying half the projected $412,000 cost, the Jaycees would seek naming rights for what could be called the Naperville Jaycees Smart Park.
The Jaycees met Monday night for a presentation from Chirico and Councilman Kevin Coyne on the proposed park, which would be equipped with Wi-Fi and is expected to particularly appeal to millennials.
“It’s important for us to give back to the community as a whole,” Groat said. “This is a gift we can give back to the city that everyone can enjoy.”
Money raised through Last Fling goes toward city projects and to nonprofit organizations.
Chirico introduced the idea for the outdoor workspace during his state of the city address in March, and later said he wanted the entire project funded through donations.
A major private sponsor of the park is anonymous, Chirico said. And there are several other sponsors for amounts ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
“It’s been widely viewed as a nice amenity for the city, and it’s something unique,” Chirico said. “It will accommodate the growing need for technology and outdoor space.”
In addition to seating and tables, the park proposal includes shaded areas, USB outlets and electrical outlets powered by solar panels.
The solar panels, which would be installed on top of the Naperville Municipal Center complex, would save money in the long run, officials said. Hitchcock Design Group is working on the park’s design.
The city owns the site proposed for the park between the municipal center and the Naperville Township building.
Since the city cannot accept donations for the project, the Naperville Riverwalk is incorporating the property into its official boundaries. Donations for the project will then be made through the Riverwalk’s fundraising arm, the nonprofit Riverwalk Foundation.
Once the project is complete, the city will continue maintaining the land and equipment.
“There are costs associated with that, but it’s part of the Riverwalk,” Chirico said. “We spend money each year to take care of the Riverwalk, and it’ll cost just a little bit more to maintain this.”
Once all the funding is secured, the proposal will go to city council members for approval. Chirco expects that to happen in August.
If that occurs, the design work will be finalized and equipment for the park can be ordered.
Chirico projects that if things go smoothly, the park will open in spring 2018.
